Ingredients

To cleanse:
12 oz celery juice (¾ of whole bunch or ¾ lb celery) approx. 8-9 stalks bottom trimmed and leaves removed
12 oz spinach juice (4 cups packed)
12 oz cucumber juice (1 large cucumber)
2 cups of water, coconut water or apple juice
To sweeten:
1 cup of pineapple chunks
1 tablespoon honey, buckwheat if available

For those of you looking for delicious smoothies loaded with vitamin packed greens, you are in luck since I will be posting many more like this Young Love drink. I have been thinking about doing a two day cleanse and now is the perfect time since my jaw muscles are sprained and have TMD after a dental procedure. Anyone else ever heard of a jaw sprain after going to the dentist? Please share if you have.

I am trying to look on the bright side but not being able to chew for several weeks is not sitting well with me. Plus, it brings back many memories of having to purée food for my Dad many years ago. At least mine is temporary and I know my jaw will heal after all the anti- inflammatory treatments, electrical current therapy and warm compresses.

This Young LOVE drink from Organic Avenue is packed with vegetables to cleanse, reduce inflammation, and rehydrate. You will be amazed at how much goes into this smoothie. At Organic Avenue they use a cold press juicer to extract all the liquid from the 12 ounces of spinach, celery and cucumbers. Since I as well as many people do not own a cold press juicer, I created this version using a high speed blender. Add at least 2 cups of water, apple juice or coconut water to thin the fiber rich pulp. More if you want the consistency of a juice.

If you are hard core or following the Organic Avenue cleanse featured on Goop, then only use the spinach, celery and cucumber with the liquid mentioned above. Personally, I like a thicker drink with some sweetness and recommend adding a little buckwheat honey and a cup of pineapple chunks for a more enjoyable drink. There are plenty of health benefits in the honey and pineapple. Honey is getting press for its antiviral and antibacterial benefits.

If you love other fruits or want to include citrus, then try it. Lemons and limes help cleanse, alkalize, as well as boost your immune system. They are readily available this time of year. It is best to use what is in season for the most flavor and vitamins.

I did not find this Young Love drink at the Organic Avenue stores in New York. Maybe they discontinued it since people have a hard time drinking straight vegetable juice. Most of their green juices have a fruit or citrus in them now. I tried the green LOVE; the pear makes all the difference. Try this recipe and then try one in the store and please let me know your thoughts or if you come up with a good smoothie.

Directions

1) Add 2 cups of water, coconut water or apple juice, 1 large sliced cucumber (12 ounces) and 8 to 9 chopped stalks of celery (12 ounces) in a high speed blender. Note: The leaves have a lot of flavor so only add them if you love celery.

2) Blend and then add 4 packed cups of spinach (12 ounces). Taste. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 cup of pineapple chunks to sweeten. Add more water if you want a thinner drink.

Note: The water and pulp will separate very soon after blending. Drink immediately or refrigerate and shake before serving. Stir if needed.